Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold. Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images

Seahawks QB Sam Darnold proves doubters wrong by flipping script from last year

By Mike J. Asti | Last updated Jan 4, 2026 12:47 AM ET

One year ago, then-Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold was forced to walk off a the field after a devastating loss that caused people, including the team's decision-makers, to doubt if he could win big games. Despite his stellar play all season, one big loss sent Darnold on a path that resulted in the opposite result on Saturday night.

Last year, Darnold and the Vikings lost to the Lions and, instead of being the NFC's top seed, had to open the playoffs on the road. Minnesota would then fall right away in the wild-card round.

However, none of that matters anymore. The failure and disappointment of last season or even the early portion of his career as a first-round draft bust with the New York Jets, is all in the past.

Sam Darnold is much happier heading into the playoffs this year

Here in the present day, Darnold is now a member of the NFC's No. 1 seed after leading the Seattle Seahawks to a road victory over their rival San Francisco 49ers, a 13-3 win that also captured the NFC West crown.

Last year with the Vikings, Sam Darnold fell short of a chance to claim the NFC's No. 1 seed.

This year, Darnold got his redemption with Seattle pic.twitter.com/R6DaYXWAhh
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 4, 2026

Even though Darnold is likely looking up at Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford in the NFL's MVP race, he's already made a statement by silencing his doubters and putting together a season that speaks to his perseverance and value to his team.

In the winner-take-all game against the 49ers, Darnold threw for just 198 yards, though he was efficient and completed 20-of-26 passes. And his overall numbers paint a more accurate story of how he performed in 2025.

Sam Darnold didn't top his 2024 season numbers-wise, but he did in every other way

Darnold finished the regular season with 4,048 passing yards, a 67.7% completion clip, 25 touchdown passes to 14 interceptions and a quarterback rating of 56.9.

While he didn't surpass his production from his 2024 season in Minnesota — 4,319 passing yards, 35 TDs, 12 interceptions — Darnold proved he can lead a team to the best record in a conference, and his lone year with the Vikings was far from a fluke.

Darnold's next mission is to prove he can accomplish something that will ensure he's remembered forever: guide a team to the Super Bowl. As the Seahawks await their first playoff opponent — they will enjoy a first-round bye and await the lowest seed remaining, Darnold knows he will have the full support of the Seattle 12's no matter what.

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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